The Atlantic City Branch of the NAACP honored several business and community leaders Saturday during the 46th annual Freedom Fund breakfast.

With recognition from the state senate, legislator, county freeholders and Atlantic City, six individuals received awards for their work in the fields of business, education, health, environmental protection and community service. Each award recipient echoed the event’s theme “We Will Not Be Silent,” with a continued call for community members to support and encourage one another, as they were encouraged to succeed in their fields.

Mary Abdur-Rasheed, of Serenity Funeral Homes, and Wasseem Boraie, of Boraie Development, LLC received the Minor Business Award.

Linda Flake, of Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers received the Health Award.

Lena Smith, of Food and Water Watch, received the Environmental Award for her organization’s efforts to keep the public ownership of Atlantic City’s water supply.

Retired Atlantic City High School Principal Sylvia Stewart received the Education Award.

Rev. William M. Williams, of Asbury United Methodist received the Community Service Award.

NAACP president and City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz introduced Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, who was given the Government Award.

Tyner, the first person of color to hold the position of Atlantic County Prosecutor, mentioned in his speech the importance of diversity in his field, as well as encouraging people of color to seek careers in law enforcement.

“Only through the diversity of experience can we manage the manner in which justice is dispensed,” Tyner said in his keynote address.

Stockton students Deon Davis and Nephtaly Jean Charles each received the Youth in Action award. Davis is currently studying communications at Stockton was commended on his community outreach, while Charles, who graduated with a degree in biology, has coordinated several mentoring programs to encourage women into science, technology, engineering and math careers.

Delano Hendrix, Jordan Langford, Francisco Martinez and Shay Steele each was awarded a $500 scholarship from the Pierre Hollingsworth Memorial Scholarship, and special recognition was given to LaToya Dunston for her work with the X-Clusive Drill Team.

The Atlantic City branch of the NAACP meeting are held on the second Monday of each month, at Jethro Memorial Presbyterian Church.